HARRISONVILLE, MO -- Michael Keck reached down into a shelf of the podium behind which he stood in Harrisonville High School's performing arts center. He brought out a baseball cap, put it on his head and incited a roaring 25-second ovation from the assembled crowd.

It was a decision a long time in the making, since Keck received his first scholarship offer about 11 months ago. He said he did not truly know where he would go to school until his official visit to Columbia last weekend when he was hosted by Tiger linebacker Van Alexander. He cited Mizzou coaches as a reason he chose the Tigers over the likes of Alabama, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Notre Dame.

Keck said he will start his career at Mizzou playing linebacker for Steckel.